PULMICORT FLEXHALER (BUDESONIDE)

Pulmicort Flexhaler Description

Pulmicort Flexhaler contains Budesonide, a glucocorticoid steroid that reduces the inflammation in your airways and helps you gain control over your asthma symptoms, such as coughing and wheezing as your airways become constricted. This is not a rescue inhaler and will not treat an asthma attack in progress so your doctor can prescribe a fast-acting drug to take should one occur. Pulmicort Flexhaler is prescribed for children aged 6 years to adult.

How Pulmicort Flexhaler Reduces Inflammation in Your Airways

When inhaled as directed, Pulmicort Flexhaler delivers the active ingredient into your lungs. Budesonide then binds to receptor sites on body cells in order to prevent the release of chemicals in your body that cause inflammation as an immune response to your “triggers”, which allows your airways to open up. Triggers that can induce asthma attacks include pollen, dust, pet dander, perfumes, smoke, or environmental factors. Asthma attacks are reduced with regular use of Pulmicort Flexhaler and knowing what your triggers are.

More Information About Asthma

When you are exposed to one of your triggers, your immune system believes there is a danger. To protect you, certain chemicals are produced and released by mast cells in order to contain the threat and start the healing process. Leukotrienes are the main chemical sent that causes the inflammation that narrows the muscles around your airways. When you take the Budesonide into your lungs, it inhibits this action so your airways stay open and allow you to breathe easier.

Some asthma attacks are exercise induced, which can trigger a child’s asthma while taking part in playground activities, or yourself when you jog or go to the gym. There is no cure for asthma, but Pulmicort Flexhaler can make it possible for you to enjoy doing the things that bring you pleasure without the worry of an asthma attack.

Before You Use Pulmicort Flexhaler

Tell your doctor about other Rx drugs and OTC medicine you are taking, including herbal remedies and vitamin supplements as any of these could increase the chance of a side effect from Pulmicort Flexhaler. Discuss your medical history to rule out any conditions you have that could interfere with using Pulmicort Flexhaler. If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast-feeding, ask your doctor if using Pulmicort Flexhaler is safe for your unborn or nursing baby.

Proper Use of Pulmicort Flexhaler

Pulmicort Flexhaler should be used regularly to prevent asthma attacks, but it should not be used to treat a sudden asthma attack. Your doctor will prescribe a separate medication for this purpose. Never share Budesonide or other medications with anyone else.

For children as young as 1 year, your doctor can prescribe Pulmicort Respules as this is a better way for young ones to use a lightweight mask and breathe in the fine mist to help control their asthma as opposed to learning how to inhale through the Flexhaler.

Possible Side Effects of Pulmicort Flexhaler

• Heartburn or indigestion
• Stuffy nose
• Stomach discomfort or upset
• Throat irritation